Equipment downtime is a challenge that every contractor understands. When an important component becomes damaged, the impact can extend beyond the cost of replacing it. Scheduled projects may be delayed, crews may be unable to complete installations, and unexpected expenses can affect a contractor’s overall productivity. For companies investing in specialized trenchless equipment, having a dependable solution when something goes wrong is an important part of keeping business moving.
The Versa-Light Encore Exchange Program from American Pipelining Solutions (APS) was developed to help contractors manage those challenges. Rather than waiting for damaged equipment to be repaired or purchasing new replacement equipment, eligible Versa-Light customers can quickly exchange qualifying damaged components for professionally refurbished replacements.
Through this established core exchange process, Encore helps contractors minimize or even eliminate equipment downtime, reduce expenses, and extend the useful service life of their equipment. The program covers eligible Versa-Light light bars, push rods, and pull air hoses, providing another level of support for contractors who rely on their equipment in the field. For contractors performing UV curing, IR curing, and trenchless pipe rehabilitation, Encore is designed around a simple goal: Keep Working, Not Waiting.
What Is the Versa-Light Encore Exchange Program?
The Versa-Light Encore Exchange Program is an equipment exchange initiative available to eligible customers who have purchased a new Versa-Light system from APS. It allows contractors to exchange certain damaged Versa-Light components for professionally refurbished replacements through a structured core exchange process.
Instead of sending a damaged component in for repair and waiting for that same component to be returned, contractors can receive a refurbished replacement while their original equipment is returned to APS for evaluation and refurbishment. This distinction is an important part of how Encore works. The program is designed to reduce the amount of time contractors spend waiting for damaged equipment to be repaired, helping them return to their normal workflow sooner.
Encore operates through a core exchange system. A core is the damaged component that a contractor returns to APS after receiving the refurbished replacement. Once APS receives the returned equipment, it is inspected to determine whether it meets the program’s requirements for refurbishment. If the returned core qualifies, the contractor receives the applicable core credit on their account.
The program also helps extend the useful life of qualifying equipment. Rather than automatically replacing damaged components with new equipment, APS technicians evaluate, repair, test, and document eligible returned components so they can be made available for future exchanges.
Encore is not a program for purchasing used Versa-Light equipment. Refurbished components are available exclusively through the exchange program and require the return of eligible damaged equipment. For contractors who depend on their Versa-Light system, this provides another option for managing equipment damage without automatically investing in another new replacement.
How the Versa-Light Encore Exchange Program Works
The Encore Exchange Program follows a straightforward process designed to get replacement equipment into the hands of contractors while APS evaluates their damaged components.
Understanding how the process works can help customers prepare for an exchange and make informed decisions when equipment damage occurs.
Step 1: Order and Receive Your Refurbished Replacement
When eligible Versa-Light equipment becomes damaged, contractors can contact APS to request an Encore exchange. Once the exchange is arranged, APS ships a professionally refurbished replacement component to the customer.
This is one of the primary benefits of the program. Rather than waiting for their original equipment to complete the inspection and repair process, contractors can receive replacement equipment through the established Encore exchange system.
For companies with scheduled installations, reducing the time spent waiting for equipment can help limit interruptions and keep projects moving.
Step 2: Return Your Damaged Equipment to APS
After the refurbished replacement has been shipped, the contractor is responsible for returning the damaged equipment to APS. The damaged core must be returned within 15 business days of the initial shipment date of the refurbished replacement.
This return is an essential part of the exchange process. The damaged equipment allows APS to evaluate whether the component can be professionally refurbished and eventually returned to service. Contractors should follow the program’s shipping requirements and ensure that the appropriate components are returned within the required timeframe.
Step 3: APS Inspects and Evaluates the Returned Core
Once the damaged equipment arrives at APS, technicians inspect and evaluate the component to determine whether it qualifies for refurbishment.
This inspection helps ensure that equipment accepted into the program can be properly restored to meet APS quality and performance standards.
Step 4: Receive Your Applicable Core Credit
If the returned equipment is approved for refurbishment, APS issues the applicable core credit to the customer’s account. The core credit helps offset the expense associated with the exchange, providing a cost-conscious alternative to purchasing another new replacement component.
Credit amounts vary depending on the equipment being exchanged. Contractors can review the current Encore Program flyer for applicable pricing, core charges, and credit amounts. It is important to understand that core credits are not automatic. Returned equipment must meet the program’s eligibility and refurbishment requirements before a credit is issued.
Step 5: Professional Refurbishment
After a returned component is approved for refurbishment, APS technicians perform the necessary repairs, inspections, testing, and documentation to restore the equipment to APS quality and performance standards.
Once the refurbishment process is complete, qualifying equipment can become available for another eligible exchange.
This process allows suitable equipment to continue providing value while maintaining the quality standards expected from APS.
What Versa-Light Equipment Is Eligible for Encore?
The Versa-Light Encore Exchange Program covers several important components of the Versa-Light system. These components are used during equipment operation and can affect a contractor’s ability to complete installations when damaged.
Eligible equipment includes Versa-Light light bars, push rods, and pull air hoses.
Versa-Light Light Bars
Versa-Light light bars are an essential part of the system’s UV and IR curing capabilities. They are used to deliver the installation pressure and curing light required for compatible trenchless pipe rehabilitation applications.
When a light bar becomes damaged, contractors may be unable to complete certain installations until a replacement is available.
Through Encore, eligible customers can exchange qualifying damaged light bars for professionally refurbished replacements. This gives contractors an alternative to waiting for repairs or purchasing another new light bar. Available light bar sizes, exchange pricing, and applicable core credits are outlined in the current Encore Program flyer.
Versa-Light Push Rods
The Versa-Light push rod helps contractors position and move the curing equipment through the pipeline during installation because push rods are regularly handled, transported, and used in demanding field conditions, damage can sometimes occur.
Encore allows eligible customers to exchange qualifying damaged push rods for refurbished replacements. One advantage of this exchange is that contractors do not need to return the entire chassis. Only the push rod/casing and the cage or reel assembly need to be returned according to the program’s requirements.
This helps simplify the exchange process and avoids unnecessarily shipping equipment that does not require evaluation.
Versa-Light Pull Air Hoses
Pull air hoses are another eligible component within the Encore Exchange Program. These hoses play an important role in supporting the operation of the Versa-Light curing system by supplying air and power to the light bar. When a hose becomes damaged, the system can no longer install repairs via the pull-in-place method.
Encore provides qualifying customers with an opportunity to exchange damaged pull air hoses for professionally refurbished replacements through the same core exchange process.
While Encore covers these important components, not every part of the Versa-Light system is eligible. Control Boxes and Moisture Separators are excluded from the program. Contractors should review the current eligibility requirements or contact APS before requesting an exchange.
How Encore Helps Contractors Minimize Equipment Downtime
One of the biggest challenges associated with damaged equipment is the time required to get it working again.
When a component becomes damaged, contractors may need to identify the problem, arrange for repairs, wait for replacement parts, or purchase new equipment before returning to their normal workflow. For companies performing trenchless pipe rehabilitation, these interruptions can affect scheduled projects and crew availability.
The Versa-Light Encore Exchange Program helps address this challenge by providing refurbished replacement equipment before the damaged core completes the inspection and refurbishment process. Rather than waiting for their original component to be repaired and returned, eligible customers can receive replacement equipment through the exchange program.
This can be particularly valuable for contractors who rely on their Versa-Light system for regular UV curing and IR curing applications. Whether completing localized pipe rehabilitation or residential sewer repair, having the appropriate equipment available is an important part of maintaining productivity.
While Encore cannot eliminate every delay or guarantee equipment availability for a particular project, it provides contractors with another option for reducing the disruption associated with qualifying equipment damage. The goal is to help contractors spend less time waiting for equipment and more time completing projects.
Managing Replacement Costs With Encore
Equipment replacement costs are another important consideration for contractors. Investing in professional trenchless equipment involves more than the initial purchase. Over time, contractors also need to account for maintenance, repairs, replacement components, and the potential costs associated with equipment downtime.
When a Versa-Light component becomes damaged, purchasing a new replacement may not be the most economical option. Encore provides an alternative by allowing eligible customers to exchange qualifying damaged equipment for professionally refurbished replacements.
The program also includes applicable core credits for returned equipment that meets the refurbishment requirements. For contractors, this creates an opportunity to reduce replacement expenses while maintaining access to the equipment needed for their work.
However, the value of Encore goes beyond the cost of the replacement component. Consider a contractor with multiple installations scheduled for the week. If an essential piece of equipment becomes damaged, the contractor may need to postpone projects while waiting for repairs or replacement equipment.
Those delays can affect crew productivity, scheduling, and potential revenue. Having access to an established exchange program can help contractors manage those situations more effectively.
By combining refurbished replacement equipment with applicable core credits, Encore provides a practical approach to managing equipment replacement costs and protecting productivity.
Professionally Refurbished Equipment Backed by APS
An important part of the Encore Exchange Program is the professional refurbishment process. Refurbished Encore equipment is not simply used equipment being transferred from one contractor to another. Every refurbished component supplied through the program is professionally inspected, repaired, tested, and documented before shipment to ensure it meets APS quality standards.
This process helps provide contractors with replacement equipment that has been evaluated and restored to meet APS quality and performance requirements. For contractors using specialized trenchless equipment, having confidence in the condition of their equipment is an important part of maintaining a dependable workflow.
Encore also includes a limited 10-day warranty on refurbished replacement equipment, beginning on the date the customer receives the refurbished unit. Under the program’s warranty terms, qualifying defects in materials or workmanship under normal use and operating conditions may be addressed through repair, replacement with another refurbished unit of equal value, or an appropriate credit or exchange as determined by APS.
Warranty coverage is subject to the complete program terms and applicable exclusions. Contractors can review the current Encore Program flyer for additional information about warranty coverage, equipment eligibility, shipping responsibilities, and exchange requirements.
How Encore Supports the Versa-Light Curing System
The Versa-Light system is designed to provide contractors with UV and IR curing capabilities for compatible localized pipe rehabilitation applications. With light bar options supporting different pipe sizes and repair lengths, Versa-Light allows contractors to complete a variety of trenchless repair applications using controlled curing technology.
Versa-Light incorporates the light bars, push rods, air supply components, and control equipment needed to perform its supported curing applications. These components work together as part of the complete installation process.
While the Versa-Light system is designed for demanding field conditions, components can still become damaged through regular use, handling, transportation, or unexpected jobsite conditions. That is where Encore provides additional value.
Instead of focusing exclusively on the equipment’s performance during installation, the Encore Exchange Program addresses what happens when certain components need to be replaced.
For contractors who have invested in Versa-Light to expand their capabilities and product offering, having access to an established replacement program can help protect the productivity benefits of that investment.
Extending the Useful Life of Versa-Light Equipment
Not every damaged component needs to be permanently removed from service. Oftentimes, equipment can be professionally repaired, tested, and returned to use. When performed appropriately, refurbishment can extend the useful life of equipment while reducing the cost of lifetime ownership of the system.
The Encore Exchange Program incorporates this approach through its core exchange process. When damaged equipment is returned to APS, technicians evaluate whether it meets the requirements for refurbishment.
Qualifying components can then be restored to APS quality and performance standards and made available for future exchanges. This creates a more practical approach to equipment lifecycle management.
For contractors, the benefit is access to professionally refurbished replacement equipment through an established program. For APS, it provides an opportunity to restore qualifying components and return them to service. Not every damaged component will qualify for refurbishment, and equipment must meet the program’s requirements before being accepted.
However, when a component can be properly restored, Encore helps extend its service life while providing another replacement option for eligible Versa-Light customers.
Understanding Encore Before You Need It
Equipment damage rarely happens at a convenient time. A contractor may have several installations scheduled and customers expecting projects to be completed within a particular timeframe.
When equipment becomes damaged, understanding the available replacement options can help contractors respond more efficiently. That is why becoming familiar with the Encore Exchange Program before an exchange is needed can be beneficial.
Contractors should understand which Versa-Light components qualify, how to request an exchange, when damaged equipment must be returned, and how core credits are determined. They should also review the program’s warranty coverage, eligibility requirements, and shipping responsibilities.
Encore is not a replacement for routine maintenance, proper equipment handling, or following manufacturer operating instructions. Instead, it provides an additional resource when qualifying equipment becomes damaged.
By understanding the program ahead of time, contractors can make more informed decisions about equipment replacement and better prepare for unexpected interruptions. For Versa-Light owners, having that option available is another part of protecting their investment and maintaining a dependable trenchless operation.
The APS Approach
At American Pipelining Solutions, we believe contractors should have access to complete solutions that support their operations long after the initial equipment purchase.
That includes the equipment and materials used during installation, the training needed to operate those systems, and the technical support and repair services that help contractors keep their equipment working in the field.
The Versa-Light Encore Exchange Program is another extension of that commitment. By providing eligible customers with access to professionally refurbished replacement components, an established exchange process, and applicable core credits, Encore helps contractors manage unexpected equipment damage while minimizing unnecessary downtime and protecting their profits.
For contractors performing UV curing, IR curing, and other trenchless pipe rehabilitation applications, maintaining reliable equipment is an important part of protecting productivity and keeping projects on schedule.
APS offers more than innovative trenchless equipment. Through hands-on training, technical support, equipment repair, and programs like Encore, we work to provide contractors with the resources they need to operate efficiently and get the most out of their investment.
Because keeping contractors productive doesn’t stop when the equipment leaves our facility.
To learn more about the Versa-Light Encore Exchange Program, review program eligibility, or request an exchange, visit our Encore Exchange Program page or contact American Pipelining Solutions at (888) 258-9359.